Microsatellites In DNA

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Microsatellites in DNA

The article “Agents of Evolution” addresses the topic of microsatellites in
bacteria and humans. The article explains that DNA contains satellite DNA. There are 3
types of satellites. The first is satellite DNA. These are tandomly repeated pieces of
DNA. The second is minisatellite DNA. These are tandomly repeated pieces of DNA of
at least 10 base pairs. The third is microsatellite DNA. These are tandem arrays of
mono- to tetranucleotides in DNA. Of the 3 billion nucleotide bases only 10% of them
comprise of genes. The rest are satellites and have no apparent purposes.
The findings consist of bacteria enhancements to human restrictions. The results
are based on microsatellite DNA. The article is relevant to genetics by talking about
mutated genes of bacteria because of microsatellites and diseases in humans caused by
these same microsatellites. It also explains why this is important to evolution. This
technique of finding these satellites can offer geneticists a new world to explore. These
satellites are ever changing and helpful in detection of some diseases.










To obtain DNA and run the polymerase chain reaction one must first obtain DNA.
To do this one will swab the inside of the cheek for cells. This is then placed in a test
tube . 10 microliters of DNA is needed. 6 microliters of water must be added to the test
tube. Vortex the tube for 15 seconds. Incubate the tube at 65 C for 30 minutes.
Vortex the tube for 15 seconds. The primers are now added to the test-tube. 1.5
microliters of each primer is then added to the DNA. There are 3 primer sets, so 6
primers must be added. The temperature is then raised to 98 C. It must be incubated for
15 minutes. The 25 microliters redimix is now added and the polymerase chain reaction
takes place. The sample is denatured at 94 C for 20 minutes. This allows the DNA
strand to s...